Munday threatens the axe as he targets two new players

Thursday 01st October 2009

WHITSTABLE TOWN boss Mark Munday has threatened to wield the axe after their poor performance at Potters Bar Town last weekend, writes Stephen McCartney.

Munday is speaking to a couple of players who are at rival Ryman League Division One South clubs and says he is prepared to shake-up his squad following the disappointing 3-0 defeat in the FA Cup second qualifying round tie up in Hertfordshire.

“They wanted it more than us,” admitted Munday, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

“Technically and football wise they were no better than us. We created as many chances as them, we created three very good chances but had any of our chances gone it then it would have been a totally different story.

“But at the end of the day, desire, the want to win and will, they wanted it more than us, it was simple as that!

“I have no qualms with regards to the result, but the passage of play was quite even, but I just felt their want and will to win and desire, they was hungrier than us and they got the result that was required.

“I said to the players, with all the ability in the world if you don’t work well you don’t get anything out of the game.”

“Reaction? That’s what we’re after! We’ve had two good training sessions this week, high tempo and everyone’s been there and everyone wants to put a few wrongs right. That is the reaction you want and the noises you want to hear from them but talk is cheap and it’s on the pitch where you should do your talking.

“Hopefully we’ll have a few with some memories that we don’t want to come off the pitch every Saturday with that feeling because it was disappointing.”

The Oystermen have already lost to Walton & Hersham - away from home - but Munday wants the tables turned when the Surrey side visit Belmont Road in the preliminary round of the FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday.

“Another difficult game but a game, at home, we should be looking to get something,” said Munday.

“It will just be a reaction from the FA Cup game, that’s what I’m looking for from the players because this is the first time that I’ve spoken to the press and been disappointed. It was just an overall disappointing day.”

Munday added, “They’re obviously on a good run at the moment but we’re at home and when we played them up there they had very little that we should fear but we switched off for five to ten minutes and they scored two goals.

“We’re looking to progress in this Trophy in as many rounds as we can. We’ve got Tooting & Mitcham at the end of it, which we’ll be pulling out all the strings to get a positive result on Saturday.”

Saturday’s game could be the beginning of the end for some underperforming players.

Munday said: “I’ve got a couple of lads that I’m speaking to as we speak and try and get them to sign, which will make us stronger and a better side.

“I may have some news on that in maybe a couple of days but I doubt they will be available, which is a bit of a shame.

“Both coming from Ryman South clubs and in areas that I think we need strengthening. It will shape things up. I’ve given the squad ten games and there’s a few there that have stepped up to the plate and a few with question marks still by their name.

“It’s not whole-sale changes, I still want everyone to be there but we have to be competitive and we’ll see if these players will strengthen us.

“We’ve got quite a tight squad there, 15-16 players and a couple up from the reserves last year. I’m not saying anyone’s done particularly well or done particularly badly.

“You have to balance the books and you can only pick 14-16 but people will be disappointed, but then that’s my job. It’s a results business and if we’re not picking up the results with the current crop of players then we’ve got to look to improve.”

Ben Brown (on loan from Ramsgate) has been refused permission to play as the Rams don't want him cup-tied, but Jake Gess is expected to be drafted into the squad in his place.

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Whitstable Town v Walton & Hersham

FA Carlsberg Trophy Preliminary Round

Saturday 3rd October 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QP